What computer language(s) should I learn?

[mckill2009]

OK, I don't know (remember) if I posted like this before but I need suggestions
coz I want to learn 1 or 2 programming language, this desire of mine is heavily
inspired by WC3 Jass...

Pls include also 'WHY' should I pick that language...

If you dont mind, pls include your level of programming experience from 1-100%
and why do you like to program...

I have a 5% knowledge on Visual Basic but some say Java or C++ is better...
I want to program coz I like computers very much and want to make applications
that I can think of like games and computer tools...

 

[Hakeem]

Ruby is great. The only place I find it really lacking in is binary. In that case, use C. C is not a low level language. C is not C++.

Try giving Go a shot, and if that doesn't work, jump into Ruby.

 

[Kwah]

Python!

In any thread asking what language to learn, someone always says Python. Today, that person is me. Tomorrow, it could be you! [/endinspiration]

But seriously, for small-scale application/game development Python is great. It's a joy to program, and you can focus on the actual fun part of programming as opposed to the morass of syntactical pit-traps and tricks which is C/++.

This being said, I hear Ruby is pretty great too.

 

[Gilles]

The better the name, the better the language.

 

[mckill2009]

thanks guys, is it easy to learn python or ruby?, it's not that I dont have patience but who
wants to do it the hard way anyway?...

I've watched youtube tutorials on Java and it's quite easy to understand, it has it's own
compiler (idk about others)...about python/ruby can it make games and GUI friendly?...

 

[Kwah]

If you're interested in making games, I recommend you look at Pygame.

Also, I find buying a book is a great way to get into a language. Personally, I find it easier than using online resources.

 

[Arcisal]

Actionscript 3.0, the language of Flash games.

Although loads of games/animations/interactive interfaces use Actionscript 3.0 there's nothing wrong with using 2.0.

To some it may be boring or tough, but to others it's a passion or breeze. So mostly, it's just how you approach the learning part itself.

 

[Ironside]

They do say ruby and python, I say C++.
It may be one of the hardest to learn but it also is the most powerful language.
Do I need more reasons?

 

[GIANT_CRAB]

PHP, no explanation needed.
U can do everything with PHP, almost.


OpenGL or GLUT or whatever you call it is also good.
Games uses opengl for realtime crap/light rendering.

 

[Magtheridon96]

C++
OpenGL is needed for rendering shit ;p
You'd have to learn Java if you want to get a job as a Programmer from some company though.

C++ isn't that hard. Well, pointers confuse me at times, but I'll get the hang of it

 

[mckill2009]

I already have a good job so I dont need to learn Java to find another, but Im thinking of
change course though XD...
C++ is powerful but I saw that it's hard...

EDIT:
I should have made this thread with a poll ...

 

[Hakeem]

Anyone who is confused by pointers should not be listened to.

 

[HINDYhat]

Anyone who is confused by pointers should not be listened to.

QFT. Go for C before C++, regardless. It's an important language to learn. I'd suggest you go for either C or Java (or both), and only once you're moderately experienced with those, try learning a functional language (I can recommend Lisp, Haskell or SML).

 

[GIANT_CRAB]

Anyone who is confused by pointers should not be listened to.

lol i saw what u did there.

 

[Magtheridon96]

Anyone who is confused by pointers should not be listened to.

After reading only the first page of the Chapter "Pointers and Vectors" in my C++ book, I think it's fine >_>

 

[Hoops]

What exactly are you looking to do with the programming knowledge?

Regardless, I'd recommend C++/C#/Java, since they're all somewhat similar, so learning one makes learning the others easy.
Personally, I'd say

Spoiler

C++

.

You can always Google these things too. There you can find a neutral comparison.

 

[Hakeem]

You can find a neutral comparison.

Lies.

 

[Trojan_PwNeR]

Going for the hardest like C++ is a very bad idea, i'd recommend C/Python/Vb Or Java
Best off is to start related, As going for C and then C++

 

[Hakeem]

Look, don't do Java.

Do you hate bureaucracy, red tape, not being able to do anything without filling out ten pages, in triplicate, and guessing which office to send them to? Hoping the secretary doesn't misplace it? Wishing there was some way forward? But there isn't?

Then stay the hell away from Java.

 

[HINDYhat]

Look, don't do Java.

Do you hate bureaucracy, red tape, not being able to do anything without filling out ten pages, in triplicate, and guessing which office to send them to? Hoping the secretary doesn't misplace it? Wishing there was some way forward? But there isn't?

Then stay the hell away from Java.

This is actually true. You should still learn it, though... eventually. C is just so fundamental that I think it should be one of the first you learn. Python and Ruby would definitely be easier to start with.

 

[Magtheridon96]

If you start out with the hard ones, the easy ones like Python and Ruby would be a piece of cake.
If you're up for it, read on BASIC and COBOL like I did. It makes you appreciate the simpler things in life :v

Most people say C++ is the hardest, but don't let that statement fool you, it's only the hardest because the others are too easy ;P
The basics of C++ are very simple and can be mastered in a week or 2 (assuming you have the knowledge).

 

[mckill2009]

The basics of C++ are very simple and can be mastered in a week or 2 (assuming you have the knowledge).

not all people are as quick learner as you Mags, besides, the problem for me is time coz I
dont have even 2hrs/day focusing it...

 

[Crazed_seal2]

Either learn C++, C, or Python, or even Ruby

Stay away from Java, and .Net Languages (C#, VB)

Assembly is good, if your willing to learn how a computer works, Hex code and other things. Assembly is essentially the base of all languages. When you decompile something, it will most likely come out as assembly.

 

[Kwah]

Also in the concept of "once you learn C++/C, Python/Ruby will be easy", also applies the other way. Once you learn Python/Ruby C++/C will be easy.

This doesn't mean that you can expect to master either of this languages in a brief amount of time, even after learning another language first. But you can achieve a moderate level of knowledge in almost any language if you know how to program another.

Python and Ruby are easier to start because they have less syntactical loopholes, and are by and large more forgiving allowing you to focus on the ideas behind the programming, versus other crap.

 

[HINDYhat]

Either way, assembly is NOT a good idea.

 

[Hakeem]

I dunno, I read an assembly book very early on. It was outdated as hell and virtually useless in a modern world, but it was helpful nonetheless.


...Seriously it's not worth it unless you really want to know how computers work. :V

 

[Steel_Stallion]

Java isn't a bad idea, if you've never programmed before it's pretty easy and object oriented programming will help build good coding habits especially if you work on group projects where your code needs to be a bit legible to others.

otherwise I'd recommend C++, just because it has a huge application of uses

 

[Trojan_PwNeR]

Java isn't a bad idea, if you've never programmed before it's pretty easy and object oriented programming will help build good coding habits especially if you work on group projects where your code needs to be a bit legible to others.

otherwise I'd recommend C++, just because it has a huge application of uses

I've programmed Java, and it's a pain in the ass sometimes, I don't recommend it, i was young when i did it however, i was writing scripts for a bot created for a java game.

 

[Magtheridon96]

Assembly's pretty cool actually C:

I'm going to use it so people could think I'm a pr0 1337 h4xx0r n stuff.

And besides, who isn't interested in learning how a computer works?

 

[HINDYhat]

And besides, who isn't interested in learning how a computer works?

People who are learning their first programming language?

 

[Magtheridon96]

People who are learning their first programming language?

interested as in curious.